Changeable sign



Y PatentedMar. 25, 193()y i g UNITED STATES l CHARLES A. GIROUX, or MoN'rRnAL, QUEBEC, CANADA' CHANGEABLE SIGN Original application filed February 4., 1928, Serial No.

- 1929. Serial The present invention relates to improvements in changeable exhibiting signs and comprises a division of my United States Patent No. 1,731,164,1iled February il, 1928.

An important object of the invention is the provision of a signv having a plurality 'of adjustable elements disposed to form variable exhibiting characters.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a changeable sign including a plurality of rotatably adjustable elements which may be conveniently adjusted to form numerical, alphabetical or design characters.

v Another object of the invention is the provision of a sign of the-above character constructed so that the adjustable character forming elements will be automatically secured yin sign forming positions.'

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description progresses.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification and in which like reference characters are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the same: y

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the assembled sign illustrating the elements adjusted to form alphabetical characters;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary transverse section taken on the line 2 2 of Figure 1, and

Figure 3 is an enlargedy fragmentary perspective view illustrating the adjustment of one of the sign forming elements. j

Referring to thedrawing, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention, the numeral 10 generally designates the sign which is preferably in the formof arrectangular skeleton frame having marginal vside bars 11. Secured to the rear edges of the frame bars 11 is a backing plate 12 covering the entire rear portion of the frame. d5 Rigidly attached to opposed bars 11 of the A frame are a series of parallel rods 13, ar-

ranged at equidistantly spaced positions in v a co-extensive plane spaced forwardly from the backing plate 12. The rods 13 are prefer- 50 ably of circular cross section', having sufi- '251,972. *A 'DividedY and;

l y this application 'fuea mi, `13, No. 378,095.

.cient strengthto assume practically straight positions in the frame. l A A p vrRotatably fitted on the `rods 13 are a plurality of blocks 14, preferably disposed in intersecting rows extending end to end on` the rods. Each of the blocks preferably has va cross section in the form of an equilateral triangle so as to provide three complemen? taryy faces, each of which may be disposed in a forwardly directed arrangement co-ex` tensive with the exposed faces ofthe remaining blocks to provide a continuous exhibiting surface. The blocks-are painted or coated so that each of the three faces or sides Will embody a distinguishing or contrasting color.

Secured to the inner side of the frame backing plate 12 and covering the entire inwardly exposed surface thereof, is a cushion 15, preferably of uniform thickness, composed of felt or other yieldable material. 70. The cushion 15 is arranged to yieldably engage the rear or inner portion of each block 14 so as to maintain the block in its adjusted position.

In use, the exhibiting characters are formed by individually adjusting the blocks to present, in exhibiting positions, the contrasting color faces in the desired arrangement. rThe blocks may be adjustably rotated by. the hand or with a taperedk implement.

By arranging the blocks so that the insignia forming members will expose a color contrasting with the remaining background forming faces, various alphabetical and numerical expressions can be clearly and distinctively exhibited together with various design arrangements.

It isto be understood that the form of my invention herein shown and described isto be taken as a preferred example of the same,Ek and that various changes as to the shape, size, andy arrangement of parts may be resortedto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, T195 claim:

1. A changeable exhibitor comprising a frame, a plurality of three sided blocks rotatably mounted in the frame and arranged to selectively exhibit any one` of the sidesflOO `and means for automatically securing the blocks in stationary position, said means including a cushion of yieldable material selcured in the frame in the rear of the blocks adapted to engage the blocks and hold the same in position. ,j

2. `In a` changeable sign, afframeyrods Within said frame, a plurality of exhibiting blocks rotatably supported upon said rods, the said blocks vhaving 4contrasting faces which may be selectively exhibited, and a padding of yieldable material seoured'in 'the frame `injoontaot With the inner portion of the blocks adapted to rnorl'nallyseoure the blocks instationary position.

Y In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

CHARLES A. GIROUX. 

